Barrel Latches, American Model, Nickel Finish
Originally, blued, nicked, either, depending on lot?
I would have not hesitated to answer most definitely blued, as most other (later) models that are nickeled have blued barrel latches, among other things (such as the trigger guard). The American Model, and NM 3 revolvers have a case coloured trigger guard. But my hesitation...
Here's a Second Model American delivered to M W Robinson in a shipment of 100 units, these containing a mix of nickel and blue finish revolvers.
This gun is just like you want to find them...unrestored/not refinished, with condition. Note the barrel latch; it is nickel. A search on the internet of auction sites demonstrates there is no consistency with regards to the barrel latch being blued or nickeled. Many are high condition examples, and refinishing seems unlikely; many appear virtually untouched, crisp edges, sharp markings, etc. Although M W Robinson did have the ability to refinish with professional results.
My conclusion is that this early in production the finish of barrel latches was not determined yet to be blued consistently
My conclusion can be supported or refuted...
|